First pitch: Astros move Erik Bedard into bullpen, new starter to be announced

The Astros’ starting rotation has undergone its second significant change since the season started a little more than a month ago.

Veteran lefthander Erik Bedard has been moved to the bullpen and will throw in a long-relief format indefinitely, Astros manager Bo Porter said Sunday prior to a 3:10 p.m. game against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park. Bedard will be available for the contest.

“I believe that he can really help us in a multitude of roles out there. … He’s a guy that you can bring in if you find a pocket with some leftys,” Porter said.

The Astros have yet to announce a starter Friday against the Rangers. The club could either call up a pitcher from Class AAA Oklahoma City or promote someone from its 25-man roster.

“It all depends on how the week kind of shapes out,” Porter said. “We’ll address that issue as we move forward.”

Bedard, 34, has struggled all season. He’s 0-2 with an 8.20 ERA and has walked 12 batters in 18 innings. The lefty hasn’t thrown more than four innings in a single game this year. He allowed 14 hits, nine runs and four walks in seven innings during his last two combined starts, which included a six-hit, four-run loss at New York on Wednesday.

The Astros will throw righthanders Jordan Lyles, Bud Norris and Lucas Harrell during a three-game series Monday-Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Bedard’s replacement will be named in the next few days.